la porte



Sept. 6, 1932. PQRTE 1,875,383

LOCKER SYSTEM Filed May 27, 1930 V 6 Sheets-Sheet l Ralph la Forte,

-- INVENTOR.

A TTORNEY.

p 1932- R; LA PORTE 1,875,383

LOCKER SYSTEM Filed May 27, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 aZ afi/ 1d Rife, (9 INVENTOR.

BY r, a w

ATTORNEY.

Sept. 6, 1932.

R. LA PORTE 1,875,383

LOCKER SYS TEX Filed May 27, 19 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 5& 2

Fa Zp/z/ la Porze,

INVENIOR.

r BY '4! I A TTORNEY.

Sept. 6, 1932. R. LA PORTE LOCKER SYSTEI Filed May 27, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 A TTORNE Y.

R. LA PORTE Sept. 6, 1932.

LOCKER SYSTEM Filed May 27, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ralph lwParfe,

1N VEN TOR.

A TTORN'EY.

Sept. 6, 1932. R. LA PORTE LOCKER SYS TEM Filed May 27 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Ralph la Porfe,

INVENTOR Patented Sept. 6, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT orrlca LOCKER SYSTEM Application filed Kay 27, 1830. Serial No. 456,098.

The present invention comprehends a new and improved locker system for gymnasiums, clubs and like places, whereb storage of the personal effects of the mem rs or patrons 5 thereof is provided for in individual locker receptacles.

One of the chief characteristics of the present invention resides in a locker system which provides supervised, safe and sanitary storage for the personal equipment of the users thereof, and whereby the servicing of clean towels, suits or other articles is provided for without necessarily involving any personal counter service, while access to the individual locker receptacles is provided for the members or users thereof.

It is an object of the invention to provide a rack-like structure for the accommodation of a plurality of individual locker receptacles for the members, constructed and arrange". so that each locker receptacle can be separately removed from the rack by the rightful owner or user thereof to gain access thereto, while all of said locker receptacles can be serviced by an attendant from the rear thereof, without unlocking or removing the locker receptacles from their respective positions on the rack-like structure.

In carrying out the invention, I provide means whereby access to any or all of said locker receptacles from the rear thereof, is under the individual control of the attendant, to permit him to service the lockers with clean towels, suits and analogous articles as the occasion may require, but which means prevents any member or user of a particular locker receptacle from gaining access to the adjacent receptacle from the rear thereof, and through the space provided in the rack incident to the removal of his particular locker receptacle therefrom.

A very important object of the invention resides in the provision of a locker system, the installation of which is comparatively inexpensive,occupying less floor spacethan generally required for such systems, and one that provides a maximum number of locker receptacles for any given floor area.

To this end, the invention comprehends a locker systemincluding a plurality of identically constructed units, each comprisin a large number of individual locker receptacles, and which units are grouped and arran ed relatively in various combinations to prov1de a maximum number of locker receptacles for a given floor area, as well as to facilitate access to the locker receptacles by the individual members or users thereof, and to facilitate servicing of the locker receptacles by the attendant from the rear thereof, as above outlined.

A further object of the invention resides in a locker system making use of a plurality of identically constructed units which are grouped and arranged in various combinations to define an enclosure for the attendant, and selectively located aisles for passage of the attendant to service the locker receptacles from within the enclosure, and other aisles for the members to gain access to their indi vidual locker receptacles from the exterior of the enclosure.

A still further object of the invention resides in a locker system including a plural- 1ty of identically constructed units, each including a large number of individual locker receptacles, and grouping said units in pairs and in back to back relation to prevent access to the locker receptacles from the rear thereof by any one except the attendant, and at the same time permit ready access to any of the locker receptacles by the individual user from the front of each unit.

Again, the invention in this connection contemplates the provision of means for permitting one unit of each pair to be moved toward and away from the companion unit by the attendant, when it is necessary to service the locker receptacles from the rear thereof, to gether with means for normally locking said units in back to back relation.

Other objects and advantages will appear when the following detailed description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, the invention residing in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawings forming part of this application like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and

wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in elevation of one embodiment of the invention, and wherein the entire structure is mounted for rotation about a centrally located axis.

Figure 2 is a top (plan view of Figure 1 illustrating by dotte lines how one umt of each pair of units is moved to perm1t access to be had to the locker receptacles of the res ective units fromthe rear thereof.

i re 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectiona view, broken away but showing how the structure in its entirety is mounted for rotation about a central axis.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing how the locker receptacles are mounted in their respective units, and how two adjacent units are normally arranged in back to back relation.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a modified construction showing how one group of units are normally arranged in back to back relation with a similar group, and how one group is capable of being moved toward and away from the adjacent group.

Figure 6 is a front elevation of one of the group of units illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an end elevation of two of said groups of units arranged normally in back to back relation.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view p illustrating how a single roller or caster is employed for two adjacent units.

Figure 9 is a top plan view showing how a plurality of the structures illustrated in Figure 2 may be grouped relatively.

Figure 10 is a plan view illustrating how a plurality of identically constructed units ma be arranged relatively to define an enc osure.

Figure 11 is a similar view showing an arrangement of units to define an enclosure characterized by aisles selectively located.

Figure 12 is a front elevation of one of these enclosures.

Fi e 13 is a plan view of another plan of insta ation.

Figure 14 is a plan view of still another form of installation.

Figure 15 is a plan view of a further plan of installation.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of one of the locker receptacles; and

Figure 17 is a rear elevation of one of the locker units employed in Figures-10 to 12 inclusive.

Before entering into a detailed description of what is herein illustrated, I desire to have it understood that the term unit as used throughout the specification and claims, has reference to a substantially rectangular o n frame-like structure, divided by a plura 'ty of spaced shelves into a plurality of compartments, each of which is adapted to receive a plurality of the locker receptacles, and while these units may be used singly, they are preferably used jointly in different combination, and grouped relatively,

in a manner to be presently described, in carrying out the objects of the invention.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 t0 4 inclusive, 10 indicates a base from which rises a centrally located shaft 11 which is fixed to the base in any suitable manner. Carried by this shaft 11 adj acent the up r and lower ends thereof, are spaced bearings 12 upon which a pair of s aced substantially rectangular plates, indicated at 13 and 14 respectively are mounted for rotation about the shaft 11. Each of these plates is provided with an opening to receive the shaft, andcarried by the under side of each plate is a retaining element 15 for suitable ball bearings 16 which are interposed between the retaining element 15 and the adjacent bearing 12.

In accordance with this form of the inven tion, a plurality of rack-like units are employed and arranged in pairs as clearly illustrated in Figure 2. The corresponding units of the res ective pairs indicated by A are supported and fixed relatively to the plates 13 and 14, while the remaining corresponding units of the respective pairs indicated at B are pivotally supported between the plates 13 and 14, to permit these units to be swung away from their companion units A as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 2, and for a purpose to be presently described.

Each unit comprises a substantially reetangular open-frame like structure 17 divided into a plurality of spaced compartments by spaced shelves 18, and each shelf is adapted to support a pluralit of individual locker receptacles 19. These oeker receptacles are preferably in the form of wire baskets, but may of course be constructed from any suitable material and also vary in size or shape without departing from the inventive idea,

' each locker receptacle being essentially characterized, however, by a hand receiving opening 20 at the rear thereof. There is one of these locker receptacles provided for each individual member of the club or association employing the system, and each locker receptacle is flprovided at the front thereof with a lip or ange 21, which when the locker receptacle is arranged upon its receptive shelf lies adjacent a similar flange 22 carried by the adjacent shelf as clearly shown in Figure 4. A padlock 23 is employed to lock these flanges together, and the key to the padlock for this locker receptacle is retained by the individual user of that particular locker receptacle, so that the latter cannot be removed from the rack or shelf by any one except the user thereof. These locker receptacles are provided with the hand receiving openings 20 to permit an attendant to service the locker receptacles with clean towels, nasium suits and other personal effects, rom the rear thereof, and to perform this duty in a quick and eas manner. However by reason of the fact t at the units A and 13 of each pair are normally arranged in back to back relation, and locked in this position by any suitable means indicated generally at 24 in Figure 1, it is obvious that no one except the attendant can gain access to the locker receptacles from the rear through the opening 20.

If these units are used singly or side. by side in any desired installation as shown in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 17, each unit is provided with a door 20a or other suitable means for covering all of the openings 20 of the locker receptacles supported thereby, and this means will of course be looked as at 20?) so that the attendant alone may have access to the locker receptacles in this manner. While any suitable means may be employed for covering the openings for this purpose, in the construction of Figures 1 and 2, I make use of a pair of hinged doors 25, which may be locked in their closed position in any suitable manner. It will be noted upon inspection of Figure 2, that when the units are arranged in pairs, it is only necessary to provide one of the units of each pair with such a closure means, because when the units are normally arranged in back to back relation the same doors 25 serve to prevent access to the locker receptacles of'both units through the openings 20 of the locker receptacles. In other words when the respective units of each pair are arranged in back to back relation, the doors 25 carried by one unit are located between both of said units, and these doors manifestly prohibit any member or user of a particular locker receptacle from gaining access to the adjacent locker receptacle from the rear thereof, through the opening provided in the unit incident to the removal of his particular locker receptacle therefrom. Each receptacle 19 is provided with a permanent partial top wall 19a, of the same construction as the remainder of the receptacle, that extends backward from the front end of the receptacle for about onethird the length of the latter. This partial top wall forms a permanent closure for the top of the receptacle at the front of the same, thereby protecting the contents of said receptacle from thievery from the front of the locker system.

As hereinabove stated, the corresponding units A of each pair are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the plates 13 and 14 as indicated at 26, while each companion unit B is mounted upon a vertical pivot 27, whereby these units can be swung outwardly and away from their fixed companion units A, as illustrated by .dotted lines in Figure 2. This separation of the units of each pair is of course necessary to permit the attendant to gain access to any and all of the locker receptacles associated with said units, when it is necessary to service the locker receptacles in the manner above described. It will be further observed that'each swingin unit is provided with a suitable caster 28 to acilitate the movement of the unit toward and away from its companion unit, and when the units are locked together in pairs, the entire structure can be easily rotated about the shaft 11.

In Figures 5 to 8 inclusive I have illustrated a modified form of the invention, wherein the units are combined and arranged in a different manner. In this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of units of the same construction hereinabove described, are arranged side by side and rigidly connected together in groups, while the groups are arranged in pairs and in back to back relation. While each group may include any desired number of units, I have herein illustrated each group as comprising three of said units indicated at 29, and these units are connected together by plates 30 secured to the top and bottom of the adjoining units and bridging the adjacent sides of such units as illustrated. The plates 30 arranged on the bottoms of certain of these units are equipped with casters 31, so that one group of each pair of groups can be moved toward and away from its companion group. In addition to the units 29, each series also includes a storage unit or locker indicated at 32, which if desired may be divided by partitions 33 into a plurality of compartments 34. This storage unit is arranged at one side of the adjacent end unit 29 and connected therewith by plates 35 similar to the plates 30 above referred to.

The units 29 of each group are provided with spaced shelves 36 adapted to support the locker receptacles 37, all of which are of the same construction as the receptacles 19 hereinabove described. As above stated the groups are arranged in pairs as clearly illustrated in Figure 5, one group of each pair being indicated at C and the other group at D. The respective pairs of groups are suitably spaced apart and any number of pairs of groups can be employed in the manner illustrated in Figure 5, depending of course upon the need and the size of the fioor area where the system is to be installed. Arranged across the top of all of the groups is a pair of spaced parallel rods or rails 38 to which the corresponding stationary groups G of each pair of groups are fixed relatively by suitable clamps 39. Carried by the companion movable groups D are spaced brackets 40, in each of which is j ournaled a roller 41, and these rollers are mounted to travel over the rods 38. Normally, the companion groups C and D of each pair are arran (1 in back to back relation, and locked in this position by any suitable means indi cated generally at 42 in Figure 7, so that access cannot be had to the ocker recetptacles ereof,

5 through the openings 20 in the rear by any one except the attendant. Consequently it is necessary for the attendant to unlock the respective groups of each pant, to permit the groups I) to be moved away from the companion groups C in order to back relation, the said doors or closures 43 are then arranged between the respective groups of each pair, and serve to prevent access to the locker receptacles from the rear thereof, through the space provided 1n any unit incident to the removal of a particular locker receptacle therefrom. While the .respective pairs of thesegroups of units are spaced apart as shown in Flgure 5, they are only spaced a sufliclent distance to permlt the individual owners or users of the locker receptacles to gain access thereto from the front side of any particular group, as well as to provide ample space for the shlfting of any one movable group D away from its I companion group C, to allow the attendant to service the locker receptacles from the rear in the manner above described.

As hereinabove pointed out, the units above described can be used singly in their various combinations, or used in back to back relation and grouped in various manners for the most advantageous installation, whereby a maximum number of locker receptacles can be employed in any system, and with a floor space of given area, and at the same time provide a supervised, safe and sanitary system for the storage of the personal effects or equipment of the members of the club or association using the same.

I illustrate in Figure 9 how a plurallty of the rotatable structures shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be advantageously grouped to economize fioor space, and at the same time provide for the servicing of the locker receptacles without necessitating any personal counter service.

In Figure 10 I have illustrated a plan of installation, wherein a plurality of single units 17 are employed, and arranged relatively side by side to define an enclosure 44 for the attendant, so that the locker receptacles of any or all of the units can quickly nausea and conveniently serviced with clean towels, suits and the like b the attendant from within the closure. e enclosure also includes counters 45 arranged at either side thereof and positioned between adjacent units 17, while at the corners of the enclosure I referably employ storage compartments or 0c ers 32 of the same construction illustrated in Figure 6.

In Figure 11 I have illustrated a somewhat similar lan of installation, defining an enclosure 46 or the attendant by the relative side by side arrangement of a plurality of single units 17, which enclosure also includes a counter 47 located between adjacent units 17. In this plan however, the enclosure is considerably larger than that illustrated in Figure 10, and the units are so arranged as to define selectively located aisles or passages 48, to permit the members or users of the locker receptacles to gain ready access thereto from the outer side of each unit. These locker receptacles are of course serviced with clean towels, suits and the like by the attendant from within the enclosure, the plan of installation being such as to provide a maximum number of locker receptacles for a floor space of any given area. In addition to the storage compartments or lockers 32 for clean towels and the like and located at the corners of the said enclosures above defined, I preferably provide a plurality of shelves 49 beneath the counters 45 as illustrated in Figure 12, and which are also used for the storing of clean towels, gymnasium suits and the like.

The plan for installation illustrated in Figure 13 is to a large extent similar to that hereinabove described in connection with Figure 11, in that an enclosure is defined by arranging a plurality of units 17 side by side, and providing the enclosure with selectively located aisles 50 and 51 respectively. As illustrated the aisles 50 lead from the exterior of the enclosure to permit ready access to be had to the locker receptacles in the adjacent units by the members of the club or association, while the aisles 51 open into the enclosure to permit the attendant to conveniently and quickly service the locker receptacles in the adjacent units from within the enclosure. However, in this form of the invention the enclosure is preferably pro- .vided with a relatively large compartment 52 including a service counter 53, and in this compartment 52 is arranged a plurality of the rotatable structures of the character illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Manifestly these structures can be individually rotated to bring any particular unit or pair of units to a position within convenient reach of the attendant from a point adjacent the service counter 53. In addition to this, the plan for installation also provides spaces or compartments 54 at opposite namaas sides of the enclosure, to accommodate the structures of the character illustrated in Figure 5 wherein the units 29 are arranged 1n groups, and the groups arranged in spaced pairs, with one group of each pair movable and mounted to be guided by the supporting rods 38. It will be noted however that the units of this construction all lie within the confines or outline of the enclosure, and therefore do not project beyond the sides thereof. In this form of the invention, the

-- enclosure also embodies a plurality of pivotally mounted storage lockers or compartments indicated at 55 located to normally close the aisles or passages 56 into theenclosure. However these storage lockers or compartments 55 can be conveniently swung Y inwardly as indicated by dotted lines in Fig ure 13, to permit the attendant to enter the aisles 56 from within the enclosure, for the purpose of servicing the locker receptacles of the adjacent groups, in the manner above set forth. 4

In Figure 14 I have illustrated an enclosure, 'the walls of which may consist of storage shelving and which are indicated at 57, and two of these opposed walls are provided with passage entrances which are normally closed by pivotally mounted counters which may be swun upwardly, and beneath which are located hinged doors 59. Located within the space defined by the walls 57, and grouped in any suitable manner is a-plurality of storage compartments or cabinets 60. Arranged upon the exterior of each wall 57 are spaced pairs of the rack-like units 17, and the units of each pair are normally arranged in back to back relation, and thereby define aisles 61 between the respective pairs of units. As illustrated, one unit of each pair is fixed with relation as to its adjacent wall, while its companion unit is pivoted as at 62, whereby each pivoted unit is capable of being swung from its normal position, inwardly as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 14, to permit the attendant to gain access to the rear of the respective units of each pair for the purpose of servicin the locker receptacles supported thereby. ne Wall of the enclosure adjacent one corner thereof is also provided with an opening 63 through which the attendant may leave or enter the enclosure, and this opening 63 is normally closed by a pivotally mounted storage compartment or cabinet 64, which of course serves as a door for the opening 63. It will also be noted that the adjacent pairs of the units 17 are located at opposite sides of the opening 63 to permit the movable unit of each pair to be swung outwardly away from the adjacent wall, and when either of these movable units is swung outwardly and separated from its companion fixed units, it constitutes a door closing the aisle or passage between the units and leading into the door opening 63.

In Figure 15, I have illustrated an enclosure 65 one wall of which is provided with a counter 66 which pro'ects within the enclosure. Arranged in t e space defined by the walls of this enclosure is a plurality of the rotatable structures of the character illustrated in Figure 1 and 2, wherein thefixed and relatively movable units are normally arranged in back to back relation, radiating from a centrally located shaft about which the entire structure is ca able of being rotated. In this construction, all locker receptacles for a given class or group of persons can be selectively placed in one of the rotatable structures, thus making it possible for the attendant to serve an entire grou of persons by taking only one or two steps rom the counter. In fact all of the rotatable structures are grouped within convenient reach of the attendant occupying a position adjacent the counter 66, and obviously the structures can be independently rotated to brlng any desired pair of units of any of the rotatable structures within convenient reach of the attendant.

When centrally 'locatedin the locker room, any of the various forms of the invention herein illustrated, provides a central control and supervision of the entire dressing room and shower areas from a spacious counter, from which may also be issued all necessary equipment such as balls, etc., as well as receiving and checking records of the individual members of the club or organization employing the invention. It is of course to be understood, that the invention, irrespective of what plan of installation is employed is used in conjunction with companlon sets of dressing lockers, suflicient in size and number to accommodate the largest number of members e rpecting to use the dressing rooms at a given time. In schools and the like, one dressing locker to every six locker receptacles would suflice. While counter service is best adapted for large clubs and institutions, it is too expensive and too cumbersome for school institutions, where classes or grou s of students must be served in the space 0 a few moments. Consequently, the self-serving system is more ideal for the school purposes, in that the particular groups or classes can be assigned to locker receptacles in selected or various aisles, so that no crowding occurs, and each member can quickly secure his own locker receptacle in a few seconds by merely unlocking his own padlock. Consequently, no monitor or attendant is necessary. When using the gymnasium, a member can readily and quickly obtain his gymnasium suit and clean towels which are stored in the locker receptacle which is assigned to him and protected by a lock. After the member gains access to his particular locker receptacle and removes his equipment therefrom, he then finds a nearby dressing locker in which he places his street clothes, locking the dressing locker with the combination padlock which he has previously removed from the locker receptacle. On his return from the gymnasium or activity, he dresses, places his gymnasium outfit in the locker receptacle, and then returns it to its proper place in one of the units, leaving the dressing locker available for the next class or other members. Over-night or between classes an attendant replaces the soiled suits and towels, for which purpose the invention rovides means whereby the attendant may have access to a large number of the locker receptacles from the rear thereof, and which means prevents any member or user of a particular locker receptacle from gaining access to the adjacent locker receptacle from the rear thereof, through the space provided in the unit incident to the removal of his particular locker receptacle therefrom.

While it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature and advantages of the invention will be thoroughl understood, I desire to have it known t at I do not limit myself to what is herein illustrated and described, and that such changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed.

What I claim is:

1. In a locker system, a plurality of units each including a plurality of compartments, individual locker receptacles removably arranged in said compartments, means for locking each locker receptacle in its respective compartment, each locker receptacle having an opening in the rear thereof, means for normally holding said units together in pairs and in back to back relation with the openings in the rear of the locker receptacles of the respective units arranged in juxtaposition, said units being adapted to be separated to permit access to the locker receptacles of either unit through the openings therein, and means positioned between said units when normally associated to prevent access to any of said openings from the front of either unit, and subsequent to the removal of any of said locker receptacles therefrom;

2. In a locker system, a plurality of units each including a plurality of spaced shelves, individual locker receptacles removably arranged on each shelf, each locker receptacle having an opening in the rear thereof, means for normally holding said units in pairs and in back to back relation, means carried by one of said units "for covering the openings in the locker receptacles supported thereby, and utilized to prevent access to the locker receptacles of either unit through said openings, when said units are connected in pairs, and means for supporting one of said units of each pair for movement toward and away from its companion unit to permit access to thelocker receptacles through said 0 nings.

3. In a locker s stem, at base, a sha t rising therefrom, space grou s of identically constructed units arranged radially with relation to the shaft, means for supporting all of said groups for simultaneous rotation about the shaft, the units of each grou being' arranged in pairs and normally in ack to back relation, each unit including a plurality of spaced shelves, individual locker rece tacles removably supported on each shel means for locking each locker receptacle to its respective shelf, each locker receptacle having an o ning in the rear thereof, means positione "between each pair of said units when normally associated to prevent access to any of said openings from the front of either unit, subsequent to the removal of any of said locker receptacles therefrom, and means whereby one unit of each pair is capable of being moved toward and away from its companion unit for the purpose specified.

4. In alocker system, a plurality of units arranged in spaced airs, the units of each pair of units ,includin a plurality of compartments, individual ocker receptacles re- -movably arranged in said compartments,

means for locking each locker receptacle in its respective compartment, each receptacle having a hand receiving openin in the rear thereof, means for normally holding the said units of each pair together. and in back to back relation, and thereb prevent access to the openings in said er receptacles, a rod extending across the tops of the respective pairs of units and rigidly connected with one and corresponding units of said pairs of units, the other unit of each pair being slidable'toward and away from its adj acent unit to permit access to be had to said openings, and means for guiding the movable unit of each pair of units on said rod.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

RALPH LA FORTE. 

